01 v. t. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera.
imp. & p. p.
Generalized; p. pr. & vb. n.
Generalizing
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1.
To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera.“Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton generalized them still more by referring this last to the motion of a stone through the air.” — W. Nicholson.
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2.
To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more extensive application; to extend so as to include all special cases; to make universal in application, as a formula or rule.“When a fact is generalized, our discontent is quited, and we consider the generality itself as tantamount to an explanation.” — Sir W. Hamilton.
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3.
To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.“A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.” — Coleridge.
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4.
To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
Syn.
generalize, extrapolate, infer. — Syn. -- generalise, speak generally.